2024 Conference and AGM

This year’s theme will centre on Devolution and Community Cohesion, with a particular focus on the aftermath of the summer riots and the impact on the North East region. With the region now governed by two Combined Authorities—the North East Combined Authority and the Tees Valley Combined Authority—there is a unique opportunity for the charity sector to participate in meaningful conversations about the future of our communities.

We’re excited to be joined by Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, who will be opening the conference, giving a brief overview of what’s happening across the region since the inception of NECA, how NECA are supporting the VCSE sector and the benefits of building a close working relationship with the voluntary sector.

Key Themes:

• Devolution: What does devolved power mean for the North East, and how can the charity sector be an active participant in shaping our region’s future? With panellists from the Combined Authorities, North East Child Poverty Commission and VCS Emergencies Partnership – this will be an opportunity to hear from experts and decision makers on how devolution can support community cohesion through policy, VCSE influence around decision making and valuable conversations with the sector.
   
• Community Cohesion: hear from grassroots organisations and partners/associates of VONNE on what community cohesion looks like at ground level using organisational experience of working with communities during and after the riots.

We’ll also explore what effective collaboration looks like, and how VONNE can support at a strategic level to help this work to continue and adapt in the current climate.

See the full agenda below:

Introduction – Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor

Devolution and Communities – Panel Discussion

• Amanda Bailey, North East Child Poverty Commission
• Neil Denton, Community Mediator and Professor in Practice at Durham University
• Robin Fry, North East Combined Authority
• Erin Parker Leonard, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Represent Women
• Claire Rodgerson, Senior Organiser at Tyne and Wear Citizens
• Robyn Knox, Director of VCS Emergencies Partnership

VONNE AGM

Community Cohesion & Building an Anti-Racist North East – Presentations

• Lesley Storey, My Sister’s Place
• Duncan McAuley, Action Foundation
• Nancy Pout, The Big League CIC
• Menisha Gela, North East Anti-racism group
• Yasmin Khan, Halo Project

Breakout Group discussions

• What do you want community cohesion to look like?
• How can devolution support this?
• How can VONNE support this?

Closing remarks and performance from Samia Malik.

To close the event, we’re delighted that Samia Malik, UK based bilingual Urdu/English singer, activist and artist will be performing. Samia was born in Saudi Arabia to Pakistani parents and has lived in the UK since she was a child. She fuses, extends and subverts traditional South Asian and Western musical and literary forms to explore contemporary issues around identity, race and gender.

This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in the charity and voluntary sector, offering a platform to contribute ideas, engage with regional developments, and strengthen the role of our sector in supporting people and communities.

Free and discounted tickets are available for VONNE Membership+ members. Log in to your user dashboard before you register to access the discounted price or redeem a free ticket code. 

If you would like to attend the AGM only, please email us at vonne@vonne.org.uk to reserve your free place.